Saturday, December 8, 2007

The song can be listened to following this link to YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQEvFkplFvA.

Lyrics can be found at:http://www.seeklyrics.com/lyrics/Queen-Latifah/Ladies-First.html

Queen Latifah sang this song, it is a fairly old song as most people who know a lot about Queen Latifah already know. I would not say that I am a big fan of Queen Latifah in any degree but I have heard this song previously and did recognize it as elevating women, or being feminist. I found the song while searching through online lyrics. One of the first clues to me that this was a feminist song was how much she was saying this quote " Let me state the position: Ladies first, yes?" She is trying to put women, at the very least, on the same level as men but it seems like she is trying to elevate them above men by putting them first. Another quote that Queen Latifah uses is when she says " Believe me when I say being a woman is great," I think this is another demonstration that she is definitely a feminist and the song Ladies' First is also a feminist piece. Mainstream popular culture usually never focuses on controversial issues such as feminist however, Queen Latifah is well known as a powerful voice who expresses her opinions. That is what makes this song and Queen Latifah in general so special because she is voicing her approval of the feminist cause. I think this song does empower women, stating that women are great, they come first are all phrases of empowerment. However, I don't really think that this song fights oppression or suggests any changes that society could make to fix the problems that come with oppression. I definitely agree that if more musical artists sang about feminist issues and supported feminism that it would not seem so taboo to some people. The feminist cause could really use some more artists like Queen Latifah to actually voice their opinions and not be afraid of what society might think. If I had the option of saying anything to Queen Latifah I would thank her for actually having the willpower to stand up for a cause that she believes in whether it is feminism or some other cause. Being a feminist is not easy in our unforgiving society but she has done it well and has brought some awareness to the cause and for that she deserves a lot of praise.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Question: Tell me what you think about meI buy my own diamonds and I buy my own ringsOnly ring your cell-y when I'm feelin lonelyWhen it's all over please get up and leaveQuestion: Tell me how you feel about thisTry to control me boy you get dismissedPay my own fun, oh and I pay my own billsAlways 50/50 in relationships

All the women who are independentThrow your hands up at meAll the honeys who makin' moneyThrow your hands up at meAll the mommas who profit dollasThrow your hands up at meAll the ladies who truly feel meThrow your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like thatCharlie, how your Angels get down like thatGirl I didn't know you could get down like thatCharlie, how your Angels get down like that

Tell me how you feel about thisWho would I want if I would wanna liveI worked hard and sacrificed to get what I getLadies, it ain't easy bein' independentQuestion: How'd you like this knowledge that I broughtBraggin' on that cash that he gave you is to frontIf you're gonna brag make sure it's your money you flauntDepend on noone else to give you what you want

All the women who are independentThrow your hands up at meAll the honeys who makin' moneyThrow your hands up at meAll the mommas who profit dollasThrow your hands up at meAll the ladies who truly feel meThrow your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like thatCharlie, how your Angels get down like thatGirl I didn't know you could get down like thatCharlie, how your Angels get down like that

Destiny's ChildWassup?You in the house?Sure 'nuffWe'll break these people off Angel style

WoahAll the women who are independentThrow your hands up at meAll the honeys who makin' moneyThrow your hands up at meAll the mommas who profit dollasThrow your hands up at meAll the ladies who truly feel meThrow your hands up at me

Girl I didn't know you could get down like thatCharlie, how your Angels get down like that(repeat until fade)

1. How did you find your song? Were you familiar with this artist’s work before?- I knew of this song before. It was really popular when I was a Freshman in high school.2. How does your song address issues of feminism, women’s rights or gender equality? Analyze the lyrics and quote from them to make your case that this is a feminist song.- The song is related to feminism because it is about, as the song suggests, being “independent” from men. The lyrics tell a first-person view of a girl that is proud of herself to making her own money. She is buying herself all the items she wants like rings and shoes because she earned them. Later one, she criticizes women that show off the items their significant other bought them and says one can only brag if they earned it themselves without being dependent on another.3. How does this song address an issue that is often ignored by mainstream popular culture?- It addresses the issue of the rising of the working women in society. Women are now able to do what they want instead of staying at home and taking care of the house while their husband makes the money. It is promoting the limitless possibilities for women today.4. Does this song make you feel empowered as a woman/human? Does the song suggest ways to fight for change in our society? Ways to overcome sexist gender oppression?- Yes, the song makes me feel empowered as a woman. It reminds me to be proud that I am going to college to get an education instead of just being married and performing my “wife” duties. The song suggests for all independent women to stand up and be proud that they are.5. Do you feel that if there were more songs like this in popular culture that feminism would become less threatening and more positively understood and respected?- The song is kind of in-your-face, but I do believe more songs like this would encourage young girls to be their own. It definitely helps to have a moral singer. Beyonce is a powerful woman in today’s society, and is an excellent role models to teenagers.6. What thoughts would you like to express to the artist of this song regarding her work, her music and her political ideals?- I think Beyonce needs credit for promoting a positive image for young girls. I think she creates fascinating songs that about women’s power, and she should continue on in these ways.

So-What am i not s'pposed to have an opinion?Should i be quiet because i'm a woman?Call me a bitch (bitch) cause i speak what's on my mind Guess it's easier for you to swallow if i sat and smiled

When a female fires back suddenly target don't know how to act So he does what any little boy would doMakin' up a few false rumors or twoThat for sure is not a man to meSlanderin' names for popularityIt's sad you only get your fame through controversyBut now it's time for me to come and give you more to say

Chorus:This is for my girls all around the world Who have come across a man that don't respect your worthThinkin' all women should be seen, not heardSo what do we do girls?Shout louder,Letting them know we're gonna stand our ground (our ground)So lift your hands high and wave'em proud (wohoh)Take a deep breath and say it loud,Never can,never willCan't hold us down

Nobody can hold us down(us down)...Nobody can hold us down(us down)...Nobody can hold us down(hold us down)Never can never will...

So what am i not supposed to say what i'm sayingAre you offended with the message i'm bringin' Call me whatever 'cause your words don't mean a thingCuz you ain't even a man enough to handle what i singIf you look back in history it's a common double standard of society The guy gets all the glory, the more he can scoreWhile the girl can do the same and yet you call her a whoreI don't understand why its OK,The guy can get away with it while any girl gets namedAll my ladies come together and make a change

Start a new beginning for us,everybody sing

Chorus

Lil' Kim:Here's something I just can't understandIf the guy have three girls then he's a manHe can either give her some head, or sex her rawIf the girl do the same, then she's a whoreBut the table's about to turnI'll bet my fame on itCats take my ideas and put their name on itIt's aight though, you can't hold me downI got to keep on movin'To all my girls with a man who be tryin to mackDo it right back to him and let that be thatYou need to let him know that his game is whackAnd Lil' Kim and Christina Aguilera got your back

You're just a little boy,Think you're so cute,so coyYou must talk so big, to make up for smaller thingsYou're just a little boy All you'll do is annoy You must talk so big, to make up for smaller things,This is for my girls...

I actually listened to this song in high school, off of her then newly released album, “Stripped”. Back in the golden days of yore, I didn’t actually know what the words were getting at, I just liked the music and beat. Now looking at these lyrics I can understand the power message of double standards and societal expectations. They singers talk about many aspects of inequality; how when men sleep around or hustle women it’s supposed to mean that he is “the man” but when women do it she is a slut, when women talk about what they want and don’t take crap from their male counterparts how they are seen as a bitch. The central point being that when women have been with more than a certain number of men she is a slut or skank or what have you, and if she is fooling around while she is in a relationship that she is this horrible person who’s reputation gets slandered and attacked ten times more than any man’s would. I think that the address to the issue of double standards between men and women in the sex circle is very often ignored in society. Women are normally told in a young age that they should not sleep with men and should wait til marriage or they are in love. But as a general rule men are seen to be the one sex that is allowed to be interested in sex and want to have it. When men cheat it seems more socially acceptable than when women cheat, because women are to be the more subdued sex that wouldn’t leave their partner and so on. I wouldn’t say that the song makes me feel empowered, but it brings a lot of issues to hand. In a small sense it does make me feel more in control and in charge but only in a way that is showing society is trying to make a change to bring equality to the sexes, but I am not one to be with numerous people at the same time so in that regard, I cannot relate to the song. I don’t know if I could say that this song will revolutionalize common thinking on ideals of sex, but I think that it makes a start. I can’t say that if the radio was bombarded by these types of song that are as intense as this one, that the nation would change. It is a very intense song, that focuses on a small portion of American culture, one that in my thinking is not at the top of the list for fixing. The double standards I find important but the way that sex as used as to represent those double standards may not be the best road to reach the public, it might actually cause a problem because of language and such.I would like to tell the author I liked it, and it was insightful, but the to reach more people to get this point across it may have been better to take down the language a bit and possibly change the main focus point from sex to maybe dressing, or weight or something less vulgar.

I found this song randomly while looking for anything that pertained to this blog. I have never heard much of Ani Difranco's work before, only second hand things. I know that she has been famous or known for sometime. Here are the lyrics: "If He Tries Anything"

I'm invincibleso are youwe do all the thingsthey say we can't dowe walk aroundin the middle of the nightand if it's too far to walkwe just hitch a ride

we got rings of dirtaround our neckswe talk like auctioneersand we bounce like checkswe smell like shitstill, when we walk down the streetall the boys line upto throw themselves at our feet

I say I think he likes youyou say I think he do toogo and get him girlbefore he gets youI'll be watching youfrom the wingsI will come to your rescueif he tries anything

it's a long long roadit's a big big worldwe are wise wise womenwe are giggling girlswe both carry a smileto show when we're pleasedwe both carry a switchbladein our sleeves

tell you one thingI'm gonna make noise when I go downfor ten square blocksthey're gonna know I diedall the goddesses will come upto the ripped screen doorand say,what do you want, dear?and I'll say,I want inside

I say I think he likes youyou say I think he do toogo and get him girlbefore he gets youI'll be watching youfrom the wingsI will come to your rescueif he tries anything

I'm not to sure if this song exhibits extremely strong feminist qualitites but the lines such as "get him girl before he gets you" or "we talk like auctioneersand we bounce like checkswe smell like shitstill, when we walk down the streetall the boys line upto throw themselves at our feet" are feminist lines because the second line i mentioned says that no matter what men will still be about women so take advantage of that ladies. The line "get him girl before he ges you" is goo also because in many relationships the men gain the power in the relationship and often this leads to abuses committed toward the women. The message that is being ignored by mainstream media is the bonds of sisterhood or protection women have between one another, a sort of leaning system. This song tells the girls to be more proactive in their interactions have an extended sense of confidence and not be controlled. So in essence ist is explaining how to stop gender oppression. I think this is a perfect example of a piece of work that would help make feminism look less threatening in the eyes of mainstream society. Because she isn't threatening towards the opposite sex or attacking others, she is merely empowering the disenfranchised women. I read that Ani Difranco is an active feminist and has won awards for her work in the fields of women's rights and her musics contribution.

-I found this song “Fancy” by Reba McEntire from one of my cds. I have a few of her cds, so I am aware of her music.

-Well, this song is about a mother forcing her daughter sell herself to men to make money for the family. The mother wants the daughter to look “fancy” so she would get paid more. The lyrics state that the family was poor and the mother could not find a job. That is when she sent her daughter out on the street.

-This song is a story about a family that is struggling and made sacrifices. The mainstream ignores these stories because people do not want to hear why women sell themselves. People just think of the stereotypes and do not want to know the real reason.

-I think this song is empowering. This song is about a girl who was trying to help her family and would have don’t anything. I do not think this song will change society. Only because I do not feel that people would want to help the lives of prostitutes. Some people can be stubborn.

-I do not think if there were more song like this that it would not be understood. The mainstream music business does not want to hear about hardship of feminism and women’s rights. To be honest, most popular songs out today are about having sex and doing drugs.

-I think Reba McEntire’s work is amazing. She has many songs that are about different needs and issues that because do not notice. She had a television show that was about a family, and during that show they covered many different issues.

The song Independence Day was released on Martina McBride's album in 1993--she then released it as a single in 1994--it was written by Gretchen Peters. The lyrics tell the story of a woman's domestic abuse. The video shows this from her daughter's point of view. The song's video was controversial at the time due to the graphic scenes of domestic abuse. The lyrics had a double meaning; the woman in the story is finally gaining her freedom from the abusive husband--the video shows her starting her house on fire with her in it--it is her independence day and the event happens on July 4th, America's Independence Day. These are the words to the song:

Well she seemed alright by dawn's early light, though she looked a little worried and week She tried to pretend she wasn't drinking again, but daddy left the proof on her cheek I was only eight years old that summer, and I always seemed to be in the way, so I took myself down to the fair in town on Independence Day

Well word gets around in a small, small town, they said he was a dangerous man Mama was proud and she stood her ground, but she knew she was on the losin' end Some folks whispered and some folks talked but everybody looked the other way and when time ran out there was no one about On Independence Day

(Chorus) Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay It's Independence Day

Well she lit up the sky that Fourth of July by the time that the firemen come They just put out hte flames, and took down some names and sent me to the county home Now I ain't saying it's right or it's wrong but maybe it's the only way Talk about your revolution It's Independence Day! (Repeat Chorus)

I used this song because I have always liked Martina McBride and her music--I thought this was an appropriate song for domestic abuse. I think when the lyrics say "Mama was proud and she stood her ground" talks of her strength as a woman. I think that at the time this song was released, domestic abuse was not in the public eye as it is now and this song and this video I think may have put a face to the women who are abused, it also talked of how people look away and feel it is not their problem, but domestic abuse is everyone's problem and everyone should share in not tolerating abuse to anyone. I feel thru the chorus of this song it may give a sense of power and maybe some guts to go out there and get help or to be empowered to help others. I feel that Martina McBride has addressed many issues in a lot of her songs if you listen to them. She is a beautiful person inside and out and has used her music and charity to help many people.

Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends All through their high school days Both members of the 4H club Both active in the FFA After graduation Mary Anne went out lookin' for a bright new world Wanda looked all around this town And all she found was Earl

Well it wasn't two weeks After she got married that Wanda started gettin' abused She put on dark glasses and long sleeved blouses And make up to cover a bruise Well she finally got the nerve to file for divorce She let the law take it from there But Earl walked right through that restraining order And put her in intensive care Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta On a red eye midnight flight She held Wanda's hand as they Worked out a plan And it didn't take 'em long to decide That Earl had to die

Goodbye Earl Those black-eyed peas They tasted all right to me Earl You're feelin' weak Why don't you lay down And sleep Earl Ain't it dark Wrapped up in that tarp Earl

The cops came by to bring Earl in They searched the house High and low Then they tipped their hats And said "thank you ladies if you hear from him let us know" Well the weeks went by and Spring turned to Summer And Summer faded into Fall And it turns out he was a missing person Who nobody missed at all So the girls bought some land And a roadside stand Out on Highway 109 They sell Tennessee ham And strawberry jam And they don't Lose any sleep at night 'cause Earl had to die

Goodbye Earl We need a break Let's go out to the lake Earl We'll pack a lunch And stuff you in the trunk Earl Well is that all right Good Let's go for a ride Earl Hey

Link: http://www.cmt.com/videos/dixie-chicks/26316/goodbye-earl.jhtml

This song, “Goodbye Earl”, stands out to me as one of the best to address the issue of spouse abuse. Although I don’t agree with the outcome of Wanda and Mary Anne killing Earl, the fact that they stood up to Earl (when the law couldn’t do more than they had), and took care of the problem by removing him from the picture together, is a social problem often overlooked. In the lyrics, the girls’ lives are stereotyped as in what they do in high school as in 4H and FFA. These are clubs to be in for many rural kids, which makes this song appealing to high-school age kids. Mary Ann left their hometown, went off to find herself and was more independent. Wanda was more traditional and got married, not looking far, for “all she found was Earl”, and was abused after they were married. It seems that Wanda had a spark of independence for she filed for divorce and had a restraining order on Earl. I have personal experience with this issue and to be able to stand up and be heard is very difficult to do. Many women world-wide are killed by their spouse when restraining orders are issued and/or divorces are initiated. Mary Ann came back to Wanda’s rescue as a good friend would do and helped her find a solution that would work since the law didn’t. It seems that Earl wasn’t well-liked because the town didn’t miss him after all and the girls went on with their lives, remaining friends. This song, although as I have stated that I don’t like the outcome (would have rather seen him rot in prison), shows what solidarity between women can accomplish. The “Dixie Chicks” are well-known to be a controversial band and they have taken political stands against wars, spousal abuse and issues such as the need for all people to be independent and true to themselves, not just what society expects.

I am not a pretty girlthat is not what I doI ain't no damsel in distessand I don't need to be rescuedso put me down punkmaybe you'd prefer a maiden fairisn't there a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere

I am not an angry girlbut it seems like I've got everyone fooledevery time I say something they find hard to hearthey chalk it up to my angerand never to their own fearand imagine you're a girljust trying to finally come cleanknowing full well they'd prefer youwere dirty and smiling

and I am sorryI am not a maiden fairand I am not a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere

and generally my generationwouldn't be caught dead working for the manand generally I agree with themtrouble is you gotta have youself an alternate planand I have earned my disillusionmentI have been working all of my lifeand I am a patriotI have been fighting the good fightand what if there are no damsels in distresswhat if I knew that and I called your bluff?don't you think every kitten figures out how to get downwhether or not you ever show up

I am not a pretty girlI don't want to be a pretty girlno I want to be more than a pretty girl

I stumbled across this song because my girlfriend recommended to me. She is a huge Ani Difranco and when I told her about the assignment, her eyes widen and she yelled: “Ani Difranco, Ani Difranco!!!”. She was so excited that some of her enthusiasm rubbed off on me and I decided to go with Ani even though I had never heard of her before. Moreover, this is about a woman coming to grips with living in a male center society. The woman in the song is tired of being talk down to her entire life and tired of people thinking that she needs help, and can’t do things herself: “ I am not a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere”. The song also addresses the fact that all women do not want to be what society and the mainstream media tell them to be as seen in the title of the song and recurring lyrics of: “I am not a pretty girl”. I can’t really say that this song makes me feels empowered as a female because I am not a female. However, I feel that I can identify with that the artist is saying and how she feels about her situation. The song does not really suggest ways to fight the powers that be, but rather, encourages women to not let other people and the media set their standards of living and what it means to be happy. Again, the song is not really about fighting oppression, but more about changing the way you approach society so that you may be immune to its rash and meaningless tendencies. I cannot really say that if there were more songs like this that it would change how feminisms is viewed and understood. The reason I say this is because most people won’t listen to this song over and over again trying to uncover the hidden medium. I think feminism would be better served if it tried to communicate in a difference venue other than music (I think entertainment/movies/theater would better serve feminism). Lastly, I feel that this music and this song communicated effectively what the artist was trying to say. The sharp play of the guitar coupled with the dissonance of the lyrics and drums create an internal tension in the song that effectively portrays the artists’ concern and feelings.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

I found the Sunday "Except Monday" by Lorrie Morgan when I was a little girl. I grew up being a country fan and this happen to be one of my faovirte songs. However, as I grew up I realized that the song had more meaning instead of just a fun beat. The song is a about a women letting go of a man and she does well all week until Monday when something reminds her of the man. I think it addresses womens rights because it shows that she is walking away from a relationship and standing up for herself. "To show me that your really sincere. That's not much time to change my mind" This line really showed me that she was standing her ground and saything that he needed to earn her and stop taking her for granted. I think this addresses the issue with women that say women stick around for men. Which in some cases is true but I think that this song proves that women do stand up for themselves and they say that they will be treated equally and they will get what is deserved. This song makes me feel like there are women out there that are treated poorly by men, which is sad, but it makes me feel as though there are women that are in same boat as me. Men can be so mean and cruel and sometimes women are viewed as though it was all their fault but some men do not treat their women as great as they should for everything they do. In terms of Lorrie Morgan, I think that she is a great musician and a great women. She has been through a divorce, a public one at that, and she came out on top and is still a triumphing artist!! She has been a favorite of mine for a very long time and was very excited to show her work in this blog!!

Firstly I choose a song called "Proud" by Tegan and Sara. I was first introduced to Tegan and Sara through my girlfriend, they are her favorite band. When I first read about this assignment I knew I was going to write about this song. I had been interested in Tegan and Sara since my girlfriend first introduced me to their music mainly because they send a positive message about powerful women in their music. The song "Proud" is a good example of being a strong women with a voice of your own. This song addresses the issue of femanism with a indie, be yourself and love yourself attitude. I really feel that Tegan and Sara did a good job of presenting a positive role model for young women. The song "Proud" says "take our stand and fight for tomorrow, Finally we got something" I interpret this to mean taking a stand against mainstream America and being proud to stand for equal freedom for everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, color or race. This song makes me feel very empowered as a women, it's one of those songs that you want to sing out loud and go out into the world and make a change instead of waiting for someone else to. I believe that this song is saying that by being ourselves and using that to fight to make things equal for everyone, that is how we can change society. I am not sure however that more song's like this would make a difference in mainstream music. It seems like when music gets into the mainstream they lose their message. I really like Tegan and Sara and their message of women power I would be deeply saddened if they lost the meaning in their songs and became duplicable. If I could say something to Tegan and Sara about their music I would just want to say thank you. Thank you for creating something with meaning behind it and with a good message for all people.

Denise Haggerty WS 200Blog 5

Tegan and Sara "Proud"

Freedom and bloodI make my mark and fight for tomorrowFinally I've got somethingSomething I can raise my voice forFine tell them who you really wantFine well you'll get yours and I'll get mineProudI'm proud to be proud to seeThey said proudI'm proud to be proud to be meThey said tell me oh you've got to tell meFreedom's roughSo we take our stand and fight for tomorrowFinally we got somethingSomething we can bring down the house withFine tell them who you think you areFine tell them fine is what you areAnd when you finally figure out what it is you needYou better think of meNo no no noWhen I get upI feel the rhythm in my fingersI get up - I hear the rhythm in my laughterTake a second lookYou might find that I am strongerTake a second lookYou might find that you are strongerImagination inspirationIt's only fair that I tell youI plan on leaving here tonight with my prideIt gets me every timeWith my prideI'm proud to be I'm proud to be me

Her sister’s sick, she’s gotta baby-sit Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good excuse

Now you didn’t hear any of this from me But things aren’t always what they seem Brace yourself, this may come as a shock to you

Girls lie, too We don’t care how much money you make What you drive or what you weigh Size don’t matter anyway Girls lie, too Don’t think you’re the only ones Who bend and break and stretch it someWe learn from you Girls lie, too

We can’t wait to hear about your round of golf We love to see deer heads hanging on the wall And we like Hooter’s for their hotwings too Other guys never cross our minds We don’t wonder what it might be like How could it be any better than it is with you

Girls lie, too We don’t care how much money you make What you drive or what you weigh Size don’t matter anyway Girls lie, too Don’t think you’re the only ones Who bend and break and stretch it someWe learn from you Girls lie, too

Yeah, girls lie, too We always forgive and forget The cards and flowers you never sent Will never be brought up again Girls lie, too Old gray sweatpants turn us on We like your friends and we love your mom And that's the truth Girls lie, too Yeah that’s the truth Girls lie, too

[No, we don’t care how much hair you have Yeah, that looks good Comb it over like that Rrrrrrrrrrr...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESMIQLvKZ7A

Even before we had this assignment to do I have always loved this song just for humor alone. It has been said throughout history that men are always blowing women off, and lying and making excuses for themselves. This song not only speaks to women but gives men a shot at the truth. Women have become stronger and more stable alone. Today a women is not in need of a man they are completely capable of creating and maintaining happiness for themselves. In this song it allows men to understand that women are just the same at times. That is it possible for women to lie too, to exaggerate the truth to make them feel better, that they are the one and only, and that the little things they do mean the world to them. The music video for this song does not represent the true meaning of the song. I have found this song to be a great anthem for women when having girls night or when angry with their fella'. This is a song to let men and boys beware, now instead of spending your days and nights wondering what you will say to not hurt our feelings you may now take that time and wonder if we have just spared your feelings with an innocent white lie!:)

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Pink – Stupid GirlsStupid girl / Stupid girls / Stupid girl / Maybe if I act like that / That guy will call me back / Porno paparazzi girls / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / Go to Fred Segal, you’ll find them there / Laughin’ loud so all the little people stare / Lookin’ for a daddy to pay for the champagne / Droppin’ names / What happened to the dream of a girl president? / She’s dancing in the video next to 50 Cent / They travel in packs of two or three / With their itsy bitsy doggies and their teeny weeny tees / Where, oh where, have the smart people gone? / Oh where, oh where could they be? / Chorus: Maybe if I act like that / That guy will call me back / Porno paparazzi girls / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / I don’t wanna be a stupid girl / The disease is growing, it’s epidemic / I’m scared that there ain’t a cure / The believes it and I’m going crazy / I cannot take anymore!!!!!! / I’m so glad that I’ll never fit in / That will never be me / Outcasts and girls with ambition / That’s what I wanna see! / Disasters all around / A world of despair / Your only concern – will it fuck up my hair??? / Chorus / (Do ya think? Do ya think? Do ya think?) / Pretty will you fuck me girl / Silly I’m so lucky girl / Pull my hair I’ll suck it girl / Stupid girls 2x / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / Stupid girl / Chorus / Maybe if I act like that / Flippin’ my blonde hair back / Push up my bra like that / Stupid girl.

I was not difficult to find a song to use to discuss feminism. I began listening to the artist Pink many years ago and bought her newest album, I’m Not Dead, during this fall semester. I have always enjoyed her songs proclaiming empowerment for women and issues that many young women face so I chose the song I thought best represented an issue within feminism: body image.

In the music video for “Stupid Girls” Pink does a parody on celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson, Mary Kate Olsen, and Paris Hilton. However, the music speaks overall about the lack of good role models for young girls. Lyrics such as “what happened to the dream of a girl president” or “where have the smart people gone” are Pink’s cry to young women that there are better things in store for the future than becoming pop icons with an aura of sexuality about them, like being a dancer in “the video next to 50 Cent.” Pink has been quoted saying, “Women have fought so long and hard for our rights and equality, and now all our attention is put on being a size 0", as well as that some women are "living vicariously through these people who seem to shop all day" rather than focusing on real-world issues like war and poverty.

This song directly addresses the issue of “stupid girls” that is too often ignored in society. There is more news coverage now-a-days of a female celebrity’s break-up than there is on lack of funding for the arts or the injustices on women in Nigeria. American media is so obsessed with the things and people that are considered “perfect” that we are forgetting the bigger picture: the future. How are we to build a better future when we do not provide good examples for the new generation?

While I do feel very empowered as a woman through this song, it does not offer a clear-cut method of improving the “stupid” conditions Pink sings about. I do think that she is helping bring awareness to the issue and through that the media at large can take notice and adjust the images it is giving young girls to base their judgments from. Were there more songs like this circulating television and the radio awareness for the issue of body image for young girls would grow, thus improving respect for feminism. Though body image is but one small aspect of feminism I believe Pink has taken a step in the right direction to help shine a positive light on feminism.

Were I to contact Pink I would commend her on her ability to tackle controversial issues within today’s society. Another one of Pink’s songs titled “Dear Mr. President” addresses the war, the homeless, No Child Left Behind, and homophobia. I agree with all the topics she has presented in her songs and the emotion she pours into each is breathtaking. Her musical style has changed a lot since I started listening to her, but I believe she still promotes empowerment among women and uses strong lyrics to help prove her point.

My older sister purchased this album when it came out in August of 1980 and I would say I knew each song, by heart, by September of 1980. Pat Benatar, at the time, was leading the way for feminism through her music and lyrics. Much of her music revolved around women “not taking it anymore”. This particular song deals with letting her partner know he’d better shape up, or she’s done as she indicates when she says “I’m losing my patience, you’re nearing the end”. She addresses inequality in her verses of “You can’t have it both ways, it’s no way to live, you’ve done all the takin’ it’s your turn to give” and “One of these days you’re gonna reach out and find, the one that you count on has left you behind”. This clearly indicates she is tired of living a patriarchal lifestyle and wants to be treated as an equal. Pat Benatar’s music is typically empowering and strives to point out that women can make the rules: “Do you think I’m a fool, well you better think twice, I’ve had enough baby, it’s time you realize”. I think if there were more music like hers, we would set a different standard for girls, a much better standard than the hip hop stuff out today, which may have a good beat, but very derogatory remarks against women. You can listen to the song in its entirety on the following youtube link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=zPNQ2ktvVCE and sing along with the following lyrics:

You want me to leave, you want me to stayYou ask me to come back, you turn and walk awayYou wanna be lovers, and you wanna be friendsI'm losing my patience, you're nearing the endOne of these days you're gonna reach out and findThe one that you count on has left you behindDon't want to be no martyr, with no one, no sayOh my, my baby, before it's too late

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Opening with a quick question about India’s hair, a “beat-box” background, and audience laughter, a jazzy Motown sound sets the tone that this going to be a fun song. Even still, India respectfully preaches the distinct message of an awakened feminist who sings, “I am not my hair.” It includes a solo track mixed with a gospel choir effect and lyrics that tell India’s—and every woman’s—story.

I chose this song because I was more familiar with the artist’s name over most other names on our list, though I had never heard of this song. The lyrics to I Am Not My Hair tell a universal story. And as often happens, when music is added to a message, it becomes memorable, repeatable, and even makes you want to dance, or bob your head and shoulders!

I Am Not My Hair is simply relevant—no matter one’s gender or race—as the opening conversation and choruses ring true to every listener:

[Talking:] Is that India.Arie? What happened to her hair? Ha ha ha ha ha Dat dad a dat da [4x] Dad a ooh

[Verse 1] Little girl with the press and curl Age eight I got a Jheri curl Thirteen I got a relaxer I was a source of so much laughter At fifteen when it all broke off Eighteen and went all natural February two thousand and two I went and did What I had to do Because it was time to change my life To become the women that I am inside Ninety-seven dreadlock all gone I looked in the mirror For the first time and saw that HEY....

[Chorus] I am not my hair I am not this skin I am not your expectations no no I am not my hair I ma not this skin I am a soul that lives within

At this juncture, India Arie awakens to who she is. . .she is more than her hair! She says what everyone knows, but few act as if they believe! A woman’s hair does not make her less of a friend, or less of a person, or more or less feminine. Neither does a woman’s color (race) define her character or passions or purpose in life. And she closes with a captivating last line in the chorus, “I am a soul that lives within.”

When India moves from self-disclosure to self-discovery, she not only admits she has been living the lie that “you are how you look,” but she is also willing to admit that she must shed the “look” in which she has grown accustom, in order to embrace her true self.

In a brilliant flash of reverse psychology, she tricks those of us who often judge a woman (or any person) by their hair or appearance, reminding us that those who’ve lost their hair due to chemotherapy are NO LESS wonderful, or beautiful, or feminine.

For me, the message in this song is as much about freeing ourselves from judging others by their appearance as it is about freeing ourselves from others’ expectations of us.

As India continues her story, the following verses and chorus of this song thread allegory with empathy, laughter with tears, and pits truth against the lies of culture: a woman, no matter her race or shape, is not her hair!

[Talking:] What'd she do to her hair? I don't know it look crazy I like it. I might do that. Umm I wouldn't go that far. I know .. ha ha ha ha

[Verse 2] Good hair means curls and waves Bad hair means you look like a slave At the turn of the century Its time for us to redefine who we be You can shave it off Like a South African beauty Or get in on lock Like Bob Marley You can rock it straight Like Oprah Winfrey If its not what's on your head Its what's underneath and say HEY....

[Chorus]

[Bridge] (Whoa, whoa, whoa) Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person? (Whoa, whoa, whoa) Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend? Oooh (Whoa, whoa, whoa) Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity? (Whoa, whoa, whoa) I am expressing my creativity.. (Whoa, whoa, whoa)

[Verse 3] Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy Took away her crown and glory She promised God if she was to survive She would enjoy everyday of her life ooh On national television Her diamond eyes are sparkling Bald headed like a full moon shining Singing out to the whole wide world like HEY...

[Chorus 2x]

[Ad lib] If I wanna shave it close Or if I wanna rock locks That don't take a bit away From the soul that I got Dat da da dat da [4x] If I wanna where it braided All down my back I don't see what wrong with that Dat da da dat da [4x]

[Talking:] Is that India.Arie? Ooh look she cut her hair! I like that, its kinda PHAT I don't know if I could do it. But it looks sharp, it looks nice on her She got a nice shaped head She got an apple head I know right? It's perfect.

In closing, I particularly appreciated how the artist and song writers didn’t use their platform to denigrate others, but inspired individuals of all colors and hairstyles to dig deeper inside and redefine themselves by who they are not by how they look! They gently and joyously give all women permission to remove any outer “masks” (or hairstyles) that are inauthentic and cumbersome and be set free!

India Arie sets the stage and paves the way for all women to sing--I Am Not My Hair!

Free download: You may need download RHAPSODY.com, which is a free player that allows you to hear this selection for free or listen to a free sample of I am not my hair on/at Itunes Store.)

Monday, December 3, 2007

WS 200 Blog#3 Ad Jenny WaltonThis is the link you will need to check out the advertisement I selected for this blog:http://www.ltcconline.net/lukas/gender/onlythebody/pics/onlythebody30.jpgFirst of all, I didn’t know what to attack first, the picture or the caption! The old cliche’ “Sex sells” is certainly at work in this advertisement.First of all, the woman depicted here has no face, only a very curvy, scantily clad body. She is in a state of undress with the pants coming down, hips, sexily swayed and wearing a bra. The lack of a face or identity portrays the thought that women and their bodies are good for only one thing:sex. It does not necessarily say that all women are good for sex, just those who go to the gym . So this depiction is harmful in that it divides women further from each other, in that those who have good bodies are wanted for sex and those whose bodies aren’t represented in the ad are only good or wanted for their mind. For women who consider sex with love and being “wanted”, this could and would be a very depressing ad.As far as “tired of guys who want you for your mind?”, this is a slam at a pick-up line used by some guys to get sex. And what woman would not want to be liked for who she is, the whole package and not just a warm body?! So, the ad feeds into that by attempting to tell men what they “really” want which is a body to go along with that mind and that it is perfectly acceptable to use women in this manner. This ad furthers the assumption that if you don’t have a mind and a body that is “perfect” that you, as a woman, are not worthy of male attention.If you already can’t tell, I am really offended by this ad, for myself and women in general. As a mom I have tried to instill in my children that it’s not the outside, but the inside of a person that counts. Everywhere you look there are ads that confuse and distort the image of women that are degrading and downright nasty. It is no wonder that people, young and old alike, are confused by the issue of sex and love and mistake one for the other, making choices that can negatively affect a lifetime! And what about the women who don’t have heredity on their side for a svelte body? This type of ad tells them that they will never be able to be loved for anything except their mind, which in many women’s minds is a lie.This ad is anti-feminist in that it allows women to be controlled by men and used for their bodies. This allows the patriarchal idea of male domination to continue and encourages women not to use their minds, just their bodies.A good way to take part in protesting imagery that is harmful to women and girls is to not shop at stores or buy services from industries that advertise in this way. However, if one does that, a letter of explanation as to why you are doing this would be good to put the business on notice. I would also consider educating friends on this issue and get a group organized to boycott buying and do letter writing, phone calls and emails. This campaign could be sent to newspapers as editorials or a door-to door campaign could be done also.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Why do the babies starveWhen there's enough food to feed the worldWhy when there're so many of usAre there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepersWhen they're aimed to killWhy is a woman still not safeWhen she's in her home

Love is hateWar is peaceNo is yesAnd we're all free

But somebody's gonna have to answerThe time is coming soonAdmidst all these questions and contradictionsThere're some who seek the truth

Tell me Why do the babies starveWhen there's enough food to feed the worldWhy when there're so many of usAre there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepersWhen they're aimed to killWhy is a woman still not safeWhen she's in her home

Love is hateWar is peaceNo is yesAnd we're all free

But somebody's gonna have to answerThe time is coming soonWhen the blind remove their blindersAnd the speechless speak the truth

Tell me Why do the babies starveWhen there's enough food to feed the worldWhy when there're so many of usAre there people still alone

Why are the missiles called peace keepersWhen they're aimed to killWhy is a woman still not safeWhen she's in her home

Love is hateWar is peaceNo is yesAnd we're all free

"Why" is written and sang by Tracy Chapman and on her Debut Album in 1988. I did not know of this artist prior to this assignment nor ever heard of this song. I chose this song just because of its title. After reading the lyrics, I was glad that I chose it. I was also surprised to find out that Tracy was from Cleveland, Ohio.

"Why" addresses many social issues that affect men, women, and children. However, it is more directed to women's rights. For example, "why is a woman still not safe when she's in her home" addresses the ongoing issue of violence against women. Also, this song begins with "why do babies starve when there's enough food to feed the world" which depicts the numerous children in our country who still today do not have enough food to survive. This song directly addresses women's rights and feminist activists.

Violence against women is rarely a topic for most artists. In fact, some artists if you want to call them that, actually write and sing about violating and hurting women. Personally, I feel violence in general is seen so much in our society whether it is via the television, radio, video clips, or in our neighborhoods that people just deal with it without feeling it is a social problem. Violence against women is ignored by more than just mainstream popular culture!

I don't feel this song makes me feel empowered as a woman or human. However, I do feel that Tracy Chapman's lyrics in this song show her passion for change needed. She point blankly addresses the fight for change. She also does it in a manner that does not bash individuals or groups.

I feel feminism as a whole would be more positively understood and respected if it was presented in a positive manner just like Tracy presented "Why". The anger of many feminists has been a turn off to many people, despite what they are fighting for. Being passionate about a social problem does not give someone the right to condemn and judge others. Nonetheless, songs such as this one would greatly increase positive feminism feedback.

I really liked this song but was only able to hear it once. I could not get the video clip back in order to upload it which is very dishearting. This song has a great tempo and style. I do not listen to secular music but I loved Tracy's style, presentation, and powerful lyrics. She has a great voice.